This Block Laying & Core Filling SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers laying concrete masonry blocks and filling cores with grout or concrete. It covers checking set-out and scaffolds, safe block handling and lifting aids, wet cutting or on-tool extraction for silica dust, placing reinforcement, filling cores in specified lift heights, temporary bracing and making partly built walls safe before leaving. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Bricklayers and blocklayers
Builders and residential construction trades
Commercial construction contractors
Landscapers building retaining walls
Concreters and masonry contractors
 
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
 
What this SOP covers
Manual handling injury from repeatedly lifting and placing blocks
Crush or pinch injury to hands and fingers when placing blocks
Wall instability or collapse before mortar has cured
Cement burns and dermatitis from wet mortar or grout
Eye injury from splash or flying debris when cutting
Silica dust when cutting or grinding concrete blocks
Cuts from sharp block edges, blades and hand tools
Noise from block saws and power tools
Falls or overreaching when laying from scaffolds or trestles
Being struck by falling blocks, tools or materials
 
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from set-out lines and scaffold tags to cutting equipment, lifting aids and the core filling specification
A 12-step operating procedure covering the first course, block handling, cutting, reinforcement, core filling, consolidation and bracing
Controls in place of isolation for wall stop heights, bracing and exclusion zones, plus isolating saws and mixers
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for moving or unstable walls, cement in the eyes or on skin, and crush injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
 
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Bricklaying & Masonry SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover structural design or bracing design?
No. Structural design, engineering assessment and scaffold erection must be done by a competent person. Workers follow the project's engineering drawings for stop heights, reinforcement and core fill lifts.
Does it cover dry cutting blocks?
No. The SOP requires wet cutting with a continuous water feed or a saw with on-tool dust extraction, and says not to dry cut without an engineering control.
Do I also need a SWMS?
Possibly. The SOP covers how to lay blocks and fill cores safely. Where the work involves high risk construction work, such as work at height or load-bearing structural work, you'll need a site-specific SWMS as well.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.